Address by Minister Fajon at the start of Diplomatic Academy’s third year

6. 10. 2022

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon addressed Diplomatic Academy participants at the start of the new academic year. She spoke about her experience during the first months since taking up the post of Foreign Minister, and went on to mention current foreign policy issues and related priorities for Slovenian foreign policy in the coming period.

Minister Tanja Fajon and Head of the Diplomatic Academy Andraž Zidar | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje zadeve

At the outset, Minister Fajon described her pleasure at seeing the start of a new academic year of the Ministry's Diplomatic Academy. For the third year running, the Academy is providing a rich programme of training for future Slovenian diplomats, as well as training for diplomats already in service. "It is important that our young people, as well as our more experienced staff, understand through the Diplomatic Academy what diplomats are, who they work for and how they work – diplomacy is in the service of the state," she stressed.

As regards current foreign policy issues, she focused on the changed global security environment, with an emphasis on the war in Ukraine and its consequences, for both Slovenia and its immediate neighbourhood. "We are facing challenging weeks and months ahead, which require the coordinated action of the Slovenian diplomacy and a corresponding adjustment of our foreign policy priorities. As a result, the Ministry intends to refresh the Slovenian Foreign Policy Strategy to reflect the new priorities. The work will be finalised by the end of the year," explained Minister Fajon to participants gathered in the Boris Pahor Hall or attending via audio-video link from around the world.

In her address, the Minister also touched upon Slovenia's candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2024–2025 term, which is a strategic priority. "The candidature is our joint project and responsibility. It is therefore crucial that we work together," the Minister said.

Minister Fajon also stressed the importance of strengthening economic diplomacy and increasing the number of economic advisers. "The economy, culture, sport and foreign policy go hand in hand to build Slovenia's image abroad and thus co-create trust in the country and its attractiveness to foreign investors," the Minister added.

She called on all Ministry staff to come to her with ideas and suggestions, initiatives, and also problems, as she would like all of them to work together as a team for the benefit of Slovenia.